Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green takes on heavier load

Draymond Green is lighter by nearly 20 pounds since you last saw him wearing a Warriors uniform in the Western Conference playoffs. But entering his second year, his responsibilities will be heavier.

"I had the respect of the guys on the team," Green told local reporters at the team facility on Tuesday. "But now it's time to use my voice and use my leadership (skills) a little bit more."

Green already was a mature rookie coming out of Michigan State, which really proved vital in the postseason as Golden State dispatched Denver and made eventual NBA finalist San Antonio sweat. But with a year of experience under his belt, management wants him to make his presence felt even more.

The Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green (23) drives for a layup against the Charlotte Bobcats in their NBA game played at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. (Dan Honda/Staff)

Yes, that presence is noticeably trimmer. Green said he's about 231 pounds now. He said he got as high as 248 last season.

Proper diet and weight training has him in better shape. He said now he's better able to take his game to another level.

Now, he said, when he gets the ball at the top and with an open lane, he can explode through it instead of "going slow." He said he's even stronger despite the slighter build and can still defend both forward positions.

"I catch my breath faster," Green said. "I move a little faster. I can get up off the floor a little bit better. And it feels a lot better on my knees. ... I feel great. I think it's going to help me out a lot."

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Green said keeping the weight off will take some work. He said he knows the tacos, pizza and the like will come calling -- especially when he's tired and hungry after practice or a game. But he's looking into hiring a chef to keep him on the healthy path.

"That's the advantage Steph (Curry) has with a wife at home," Green said. "You see all the pictures she posts on Twitter? Her food looks amazing."